Google reduces renewable research

In recent years, Google has branched out from its core internet business to work on reducing the cost of renewable energy -- but now appears to have turned away from its renewable research efforts.

Here's a quick recap of some of Google's energy plays.

• In February 2010, Google received market-based rate authority, a key federal approval to allow it to sell electricity at wholesale in the U.S. markets.  Google stated that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approval would allow it to hedge its energy procurements more effectively.
• In April 2010, Google joined with 46 other companies supporting smart grid technology in asking President Obama to help consumers access real-time information about their electricity usage.
• In July 2010, Google agreed to buy electricity from a NextEra affiliate's wind generating facility in Iowa to help power its data centers.
• In October 2010, Google invested in underwater transmission lines to transmit power from offshore wind turbines to the mainland, including a 350-mile backbone line from Virginia to New Jersey. 
• In April 2011, Google invested up to $168 million in BrightSource Energy's 392 MW Ivanpah solar project in California.

In addition to these activities, Google launched its "Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal" initiative.  This program included engineering research and development to reduce the cost and water consumption of concentrating solar plants like Ivanpah.  Now, Google has announced that it has "retired this initiative", while reaffirming its investment in Ivanpah and its green energy procurement.

What will the future hold for Google?  Google it.